Friday, July 26, 2013

You've probably seen clowns making balloon animals at kids parties. The swipe of the hands, the squeak sounds and shazaam - rubber comes to life.

New York production/post/VFX studio Humble recently took balloon animals to the next level with a poignant, touching short called "Tangleweed Tango." It's reminiscent of a Pixar animation with all the warmth and wonder that follows.

If you enjoyed the animation you'll like some of their featured commercials. Humble Studio staff director Jeff Bitsack stood out for me.

Warning. This commercial is not for the squeamish. "Zoosk - Darts 2011"

Honda "Pete"

Jeff's commercials have a whimsical, off beat quality featuring strong casting, great writing and perfect editing.
And who doesn't need a Pete?

With over 30 years experience, Tim McLarty currently works out of Toronto Canada as a writer/voice performer, producer and media strategist producing advertising and entertainment content.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

We recently came back from two weeks of tromping around Switzerland and Italy. Living out of a suitcase for two weeks and seeing as many hotels as we did led me to realize that hotels are a mini microcosm of the how marketing works. As with any marketing strategies, there are good hotels, bad hotels and average hotels.

We stayed in a hotel in La Spezia that would be called "eclectic fusion". That's a very nice way of saying the owner did the art design herself. It was kind of late 20th century Ikea meets Long John Silver with a touch of Tim Burton. I think I laid awake all night staring at the ceiling wondering when "they would come for me".

At the total opposite end of the spectrum was the Hilton in Florence. What a beautiful hotel experience. We were greeted with a digital welcome message on the screens as we entered the room saying "Welcome Tim McLarty and party".

Then, in the bathroom, the bar of soap said "Start your big day with clean hands." At that point it was like an easter egg hunt with me looking throughout the suite for more messages ;"Tim, you can do it. Conquer the world." "Your hair is looking particularly good today!" "Have an extra plate of cholesterol. You deserve it!"

No I didn't find those messages on mints under my pillow or anywhere else. But it reminded me of the importance of the little things. The small steps Hilton takes to make it a special experience left a lasting impression. Experiential marketing is definitely not dead. And definitely not in La Spezia.

With over 30 years experience, Tim McLarty currently works out of Toronto Canada as a writer/voice performer, producer and media strategist producing advertising and entertainment content.